Ormolu mounted Louis XV style kingwood marquetry desk by Zwiener

This beautiful piece is a gilt-bronze mounted, kingwood and marquetry desk, in the resplendent Louis XV style, made in France in the second-half of the 19th century by the exceptional ebeniste Joseph-Emmaneul Zwiener. German-born, Zwiener came to be known for his manner of recreating popular and well-known Louis XV pieces in public collections, and enhancing them with his own Rococo tastes and stylistic touches. 

In superb condition, this piece comes with a replaced leather-inset top. The frienze contains five drawers, one of which has a tray and hidden section; the back features matching faux-drawers. The gilding and decoration is extensive and elaborate, in particular on the drawer-mounts and on the lining of the curved cabriole legs. The rich and luxuriant kingwood is adorned with elegant floral marquetry patterns. The top drawers are stamped 'E. Zwiener.' This piece represents one of the finest pieces by one of France's finest makers, effortlessly combining materials, practicality and grace.